The Love-Tiff

A lively five‑act comedy opens with a clever trick of disguise: a young woman is presented as a male child, setting off a cascade of mistaken identities and tangled affections. Valère and Ascanio, both in men’s clothing, navigate a maze of secret courtings while their fathers and friends scramble to keep honor intact. The dialogue crackles with sharp wit, and the stage is filled with the colorful quarrels of lovers, servants, and meddling relatives.

At the heart of the play lies the stormy “love‑tiff” between the proud Éraste and the spirited Lucile, a clash that spirals into a series of humorous confrontations involving the bumbling valet Gros‑René and the quick‑witted soubrette Marinette. Their schemes to uncover the truth and to smooth over misunderstandings showcase Molière’s talent for turning everyday folly into comic gold. Listeners will be delighted by the rapid‑fire repartee and the timeless dance of love, pride, and reconciliation.